by Dr Pandula Siribaddana

Created on: October 27, 2010   Last Updated: October 28, 2010

What is a cold sore?

Although the name suggests it is something to do with the cold, cold sores are not at all associated with colds or flu but is an ulcer caused by the virus, herpes simplex. Among the many types of herpes viruses that cause diseases among humans, the commonest type to cause cold sores in your child is herpes simplex type I, although type II can also cause a similar sore in rare instances. The site on which these sores appear will be near the lips although it can happen anywhere around the mouth or else on the surface of the mouth especially over the cheeks and over the tongue.

When can a child develop cold sores?

Although it is theoretically possible for a child to develop cold sores at any age, it is rare before the 3rd month of age. It is estimated that, about 20% of children will become exposed to herpes simplex 1 by the time they reach the age of 5 and the rest will become exposed before they reach adulthood. This indicates to us the commonness of this infection and it has been found that, the virus will remain in the nerve endings in the region of the lips following the initial infection and will give rise to recurrent sores from time to time.

What can you do if you detect a cold sore?

Cold sores are usually relieved on their own and would not usually require specific treatment. But, because of the discomfort it causes to the child, it may be necessary to intervene by using medicines or other means to make the child comfortable as possible till such time the cold sores settle itself.

Application of ice over the cold sore have shown to be effective in relieving the child’s pain and discomfort although this would be short-lived. In case the child continuously shown irritability and refuses feeds perhaps due to pain, you can give the child over the counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen.

Although it is possible to apply antiviral creams over the sites where early signs of cold sores appear, one should obtain advice from a doctor before using such medications. At the same time, if an infant develops a cold sore and is less than 3 months of age or else refuses feeds continuously, seeing a doctor will be a good idea.

Knowing the exact cause for such cold sores and knowing that the condition resolves itself within few days would prevent you from doing anything rash to relieve the child from this condition. Furthermore, it will be your duty to keep the site of a cold sore as clean as possible to prevent any infection from setting in and this would prevent any complications developing through the present problem.

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